Follow AllEars.net Founder Deb Wills on her journeys near and far via Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney as she shares her planning thoughts and details of her trips and various Disney experiences. Deb is also active raising funds and awareness in the fight against Breast Cancer!

Check in for the D23 event was held just off the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. I arrived right at 9am and check-in went smoothly.

Barry Jacobson was on hand to greet D23 members and assist in giving out our "goody bags".

I chatted with Barry for a few moments and asked where the other D23 folks were, like Steven, Jeffrey and the ladies. For a variety of reasons each was unable to attend. Several folks commented throughout the event that an additional D23 Cast Member would have been nice. Barry did a great job, but I agreed that additional D23 folks would have added to the event.

8:30 - Dessert party at Italy Isola with viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

First Official Event was the Cookout on the beach at the Grand Floridian with a special fireworks presentation and special viewing of the Electric Water Pageant and Wishes

While the day was quite warm, the evening was amazing with a cool breeze and perfect sky.
I headed over to the Grand Floridian around 6:15pm to check out where the event would take place. The lobby had a number of D23 folks relaxing and enjoying the orchestra. I walked over to the beach area (behind the themed pool) and found that set up was still going on. I spoke to one of the Cast Members who told me no one would be allowed in until 7:30, the official start time. Back to the lobby I went to relax in the air conditioning.

Around 7pm Sharon and I went back to the BBQ area and found that folks had indeed been allowed to go ahead and sit down at the tables while setup continued.

As we looked around for a table, Brenda and Ron waved us down and had some seats saved for us (thanks!). Steve and Vickie Barrett also joined us at the table along with 3 D23 event regulars!

There were lots of Disney figurines for decor on the buffet tables:

The grills were going strong and the smells filled the air.

But before dinner was served, 2 very special surprise guests arrived and gladly posed with everyone for photos!

If the evening had one negative it was the fact that the only beverages that were complimentary were lemonade and an herbal, caffeinated tea.

The charge for adult beverages, I totally understand. However, paying $4 for a bottle of water (when the event cost $195) was over the top. I know a number of folks, including myself, were not happy about this. Eventually a couple of iced water coolers were brought out for everyone.

While the lines looked long, they actually moved at a steady pace. There were two separate buffets set up and each had 2 sides for serving.

Dessert included a chocolate delight, Mickey Shaped vanilla cake with a strawberry topping.

After dinner, Mickey and Minnie appeared again. Here is Barry enjoying the photo op.

Several special treats were in store for us once the sun went down.

First, we had our own private showing of the Electric Water Pageant.

The pageant consists of two strings of seven barges, each carrying a 25-foot-tall screen of lights. The pageant features King Triton and creatures from under the sea -- turtles, whales, seahorses, even a sea monster; all set to Disney music. The pageant concludes with Flags and Stars set to a patriotic musical medley of God Bless America, Yankee Doodle, and You're a Grand Old Flag. It debuted October 21, 1971 and has been basically the same show ever since.

Next up were Chris Oyen and Brad Ciccotti, fireworks magicians extraordinaire! Both have been involved with Walt Disney World fireworks shows for a very long time!

Chris spoke first about his experiences with Disney and fireworks shows. Brad then joined him to present us with a very special version of "Fireworks 101, Disney Style", complete with examples of the types fireworks they were explaining. At the end of the presentation, we had our own private fireworks display (brief) which combined the effects we had just learned about. Chris and Brad were great presenters! This entire segment was AWESOME!

Afterward, folks moved further down the beach and enjoyed WISHES.

Our special evening gift was a light bulb from the Electric Water Pageant. A nice souvenir, unfortunately it was simply a bulb wrapped in tissue paper, no card or otherwise identifying notation as to it's origin.

Soon, it was time to head home and rest up for Sunday's early morning at the Yacht Club Convention Center.